2022 Heart of the City Festival Schedule
A number of this year's events can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home (or in our viewing room at the Carnegie Theatre), while many others can be enjoyed in person including our Art in the Streets programming. A number of this year's online events are also set up through EventBrite and you are able to reserve a spot ahead of time, which offers some great benefits, including the opportunity to interact with some of the events through Zoom.
In case you are not able to pick up one of our printed program guides (available throughout the Downtown Eastside) you can peruse it online HERE (view full screen for the best experience).
Enjoy!
The festival is following current health and safety measures to ensure audiences, artists and staff remain safe during the festival. Indoor events are guided by safety protocols of the hosting venues.
Some online programs require pre-registeration through Eventbrite but it is recommended for all events
Advantages of registering:
• receive Zoom links & participate in chats or Q&As
• links to your online calendar
• get event reminders
• guaranteed entry for events that have limited capacity
ON DEMAND programming can be viewed any time over the duration of the Festival. Links will be posted when the Festival begins.
NEED HELP? Contact boxoffice.heartfestival@gmail.com
Click on the tabs below to browse through our day-by-day schedule and register for events, or view our web-based program guide.
2022 Festival Schedule
FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY
Wednesday October 26, 1pm
Carnegie Theare, 401 Main Free
We are so happy to gather again in person as community members, friends and neighbours and to welcome you to this year’s Opening Ceremony. Today’s special guests include Carnegie Elder-in-Residence Les Nelson and Matriarch-in-Residence Marr Dorvault, cultural speaker and practitioner Bob Baker (S7aplek) of the Squamish Nation, speakers from the Carnegie Community Centre staff and Association, the Carnegie’s own lexwst’í:lem Drum Group, and spirit-lifting grass dancer Larissa Healey accompanied by Love Medicine drum group. We will also honour and remember Kat Norris (Zucomul'wat) who guided the Festival as Elder-in-Residence since 2017 and recently ‘crossed the river’. Also on display at the Ceremony is the ’The Gathering Mural’ (newly expanded from 3 panels to 10!) by award-winning DTES artist Richard Tetrault with Jerry Whitehead, Charlene Johnny and Marissa Nahanee. Please note: following this ceremony you can attend the official Gathering Mural Launch at 4pm (see description below). Refreshments. Everyone welcome.
LAUNCH
THE GATHERING MURAL
Wednesday October 26, 4pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
The Gathering Mural, a stunning tryptic mural created in 2016 by Richard Tetrault, is expanding with an additional seven new panels by Tetrault, Charlene Johnny, Marissa Nahanee and Jerry Whitehead. The Gathering Mural hangs in the Carnegie Theatre during the Festival and pays tribute to past and present DTES artists and activists, and to the diverse cultures and heritage of the Downtown Eastside. Today you can meet the artists and hear the inspiring stories behind the artists and activists represented in this extraordinary mural.
SHOWCASE
DTES FRONT & CENTRE: Live Music & Comedy
Wednesday October 26, 7pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
For opening night of the Festival, we have a fabulous evening planned for you to kick off twelve wonderful days of the Heart of the City Festival. The Downtown Eastside is alive with talent and we bring together a few long-time Festival favourites.
We welcome songstress Heidi Morgan, accompanied by guitarist Brice Tabish, Peggy Wilson on bass, and drummer Gord Stewart. They’ll play some fun, high energy, mostly rock-ish covers that they know the community will love.
Mike Richter performs original work and delights with his guitar instrumentals, and longtime friend of the Festival, Brenda Prince, takes the mic with standup comedy. Recently back in town from the Arctic Comedy Festival, Brenda is a graduate of the Stand Up for Mental Health Program and Laughterzone 101, and a finalist in BC's Funniest New Female Comic 2021 and 2022.
And after many wishes and dreams, the Festival is thrilled to bring Sam Bob (Tulkweemult), Curtis Ahenakew and Greasy Bannock Theatre to the Carnegie stage. Greasy Bannock ensemble is a free acting class for the First Nations community that Sam and Curtis have been training for the last several years, now based at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre. Tonight Sam and Curtis and a group of students will share comedy skits.
Our Emcee for the evening is Merlin Cosmos, a self-described ‘Old Vaudevillian and a ham’.
EXHIBIT LAUNCH
GENERATIONS OF WOMEN AND WATER
Opening Reception
Honouring Our Grandmothers’ Healing Journey
Wednesday October 26, 6pm - 7:30pm
Massy Arts Gallery, 23 E. Pender
Exhibit Oct 27 to Nov 5
Free, registration is required, massyarts.com
Massy Arts hosts Generations of Women and Water, a new exhibit by Indigenous visionary visual artist Nadine Spence. Opening night includes an arriving ceremony for Nadine’s painted bentwood cedar chest. Nadine’s personal voyage with Honouring Our Grandmothers Healing Journey is to honour her Nlaka’pamux and Secwépemc Grandmothers who lived and died in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and bring their spirits home with the cycle of wild salmon by waterways of the Fraser and Thompson Rivers and the Pacific Ocean. Presented by Massy Arts Society in collaboration with Sacred Rock, and in partnership with Vancouver Moving Theatre / Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival.
FILM & CONVERSATION
INSIDE/OUT: A PRISON MEMOIR
Wednesday October 26, 6pm
Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema
SFU Woodwards, 149 W. Hastings
Free events.sfu.ca/voce/all
Inside/Out is Patrick Keating’s real-life story of years spent in and out of Canada’s penitentiary system. This is a story about a man’s search for community: the community of the street, the community of prison and of the theatre. In a powerful intersection of art, lived experience and social justice, Keating’s Inside/Out joins a rich history of life-affirming works of resistance and humanity. Calls for Equity and Access have steadily risen during COVID, resulting in inspiring instances of ingenuity and adaptation that provide access for and to underserved populations of Canada’s penitentiary system. This filmed theatrical performance will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A with Inside/Out creator Patrick Keating, and other guests.
Co-presented by SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement & The Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival. With support from Reel Causes.
RADIO
Late Night With Savages on Co-op Radio
Wednesday October 26, 11pm - 1am
Live Broadcast, Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Live Streamed, Heart of the City Festival Facebook page
A special late night program for the Heart of the City Festival, live from the DTES station of Co-op Radio. Listen in to an evening of artists and musical guests, hosted by Gunargie O’Sullivan. Gunargie has invited an exciting line-up of guests, including traditional and contemporary artists. Cecilia Point opens the evening, followed by comedy with Nick Perry, guitar soloist Mark Mcleod, singer Makeda Martin, musician Paul Barnetson, and Downtown Eastside artists Smokey D, Ken Foster, Frank Hargreaves, and Faith Allan. Studio musician is Sliggidie on guitar.
MUSIC
Saint James Music Academy Open House
Wednesday October 26, 5:15pm - 6:15pm
St James' Anglican Church,
303 E. Cordova (entrance on Gore) Free
Join Saint James Music Academy (SJMA) for an open house; catch a mid-semester glimpse of their program with student performances featuring the Youth Orchestra and more! SJMA is a community-based, grassroots organization that provides free, high quality, classical music education to children living in and around Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Through choirs and orchestras, and so much more, students from grade 2 to 12 experience the joys and challenges of learning to make music together - and of playing an important part in something beautiful that is larger than themselves. For information, 778-709-7731 or www.sjma.ca
WORKSHOP
Collage for Self-Discovery and Expressive Art
Wednesday October 26, 1pm - 3pm
Also Wed Nov 2
EWMA Studio, 800 E. Hastings Free
Today the fine folks at EWMA, led by Rosina Santillana, present a collage workshop. Collage is a creative approach to making art. By deconstructing a subject, artists can put it back together in a new way to explore themes and images of self-discovery and personal expression. EWMA Studio's goal is to create a Safe Space for arts-based wellness activities for anyone who identifies and lives full-time as a woman, including trans, two spirit and intersex women, and/or those in the Downtown Eastside who identify with a femme-of-centre non-binary gender to express themselves. The Studio allows for individuals to make art, learn new skills, and create marketable products, all while having fun and networking.
INSTALLATION & ARTIST TALK
Be Like Sound, Paul Wong
Thursday October 27, 1pm - 3pm
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall
Registration required, register here
Admission to the Garden is not included
Be Like Sound is a six-channel immersive sound installation by renowned artist Paul Wong held in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden’s Hall of One Hundred Rivers courtyard. The surround soundscape features a variety of curated sounds that evoke auditory familiarity for the soul and is designed to respond to acoustic aesthetics of the courtyard. Wong used the ancient Chinese Feng Shui system of the five elements – fire, earth, air, water and metal – as a conceptual source of inspiration for considering and gathering sounds. As a special Festival treat, Paul will lead two listening sessions, followed by a short talk and Q&A.
RECEPTION
MEET THE ARTIST, REV. DR. VICTORIA MARIE
Thursday October 27, 1pm - 2:30pm
Carnegie 3rd Floor Gallery, 401 Main
Exhibition Oct 4 - 29 Free
Meet Victoria Marie and get a chance to find out the method and inspiration behind her beautiful collection of artwork on display in the Creature Connection: We Are One Under the Sun visual art exhibition. “The intersection of engaging in environmental activism and my role as a spiritual leader have converged to instill in me a desire to learn more about the creatures that share our planet, especially those that are endangered.” – Reverend Dr. Victoria Marie
MUSIC
YINPIN NATIVE CHINESE ORCHESTRA
Thursday October 27, 1pm - 2:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
The Yinpin Native Chinese Orchestra is the new English name for the SRO Collaborative seniors orchestra. They have been making music together in their Single Room Occupancy (SRO) homes and the Festival is excited to present them in the Carnegie Theatre. With a membership of over a dozen musicians, they have a large repertoire of traditional and contemporary selections. Have a cup of tea and enjoy the music.
WORKSHOP
DAY OF THE DEAD DECORATIONS WORKSHOP
Thursday October 27, 1pm - 3pm
Carnegie Community Centre, 401 Main Free
The DTES community is coming together to make decorations to place on the altars for Day of the Dead. The celebration of the Day of the Dead is an Indigenous tradition common to many Latin American countries and cultures. It is a holiday to remember and honour loved ones lost, in a celebration on November 1st and 2nd. Traditions and customs vary but the most important tradition is the altar (the ofrenda). Join the workshop to make paper flowers and other decorations to add to a community altar. Everyone is welcome.
WORKSHOP
DREAMCATCHER DESIGNS WORKSHOP
Thursday October 27, 2pm - 4pm
Evelyne Saller Centre, 404 Alexander Free
Learn how to create your own colourful dreamcatcher in one session. A dreamcatcher is a web said to filter dreams, allowing only good dreams to pass through while bad dreams are caught in the net. Evelyne Saller Centre serves clients of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, offering cafeteria services, laundry and free showers. The Recreation Department provides a variety of games and tournaments, health clinics and helpful resources. Drop in and see the brand new facility at 404 Alexander Street. Supplies provided. Everyone welcome.
READING
DTES WRITERS COLLECTIVE
Thursday October 27, 3pm - 4pm
Carnegie 3rd Floor Gallery, 401 Main Free
Every Thursday, the DTES Writers Collective gather to write together and, if they feel so inclined, to share their writing. For today’s session the writers’ group invites you to join them. For some of the time, they will read to you some of what they’ve written this fall, and will invite you to write with them and share if you want to. They will ask you to write about the theme of this year’s Festival, Community is our Mentor. How does the Downtown Eastside inspire you; how does it help you truly be who you are?
GATHERING
AMAZINGLY ALIVE: AN AFTERNOON WITH THE BUD OSBORN POETRY LIBRARY
Thursday October 27, 4pm - 5:30pm
Carnegie Classroom 2, 401 Main Free
Join in and share stories about poet Bud Osborn while getting to know more about the poetry books in his personal collection. We will give them a little dust off, we will read out loud from random books, and we will talk about how we might put Bud’s collection to use in the future in a caring and considerate way. For more information about the Bud Osborn Poetry Library ask staff at VPL Carnegie Branch for the full index of books, as well as read the article by previous Branch Head Natalie Porter: http://surl.li/daegb.
RADIO
Kla How Ya on Co-op Radio
Thursday October 27, 5pm - 6pm
Live Broadcast, Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Host Gunargie O’Sullivan provides updates and interviews on news and current events on Kla How Ya. Listen to what people directly involved or affected have to say about current issues and possible solutions. Today, Gunargie interviews artists taking part in this year’s Heart of the City Festival. To reach Gunargie and be part of her show during the Festival, email gunargie.coopradio@gmail.com. Listen to Co-op Radio!
CONVERSATION
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: CONVERSATION WITH TRAVIS LUPICK
Thursday October 27, 1pm - 2:30pm
Online, Festival Website Free
Author and award-winning journalist Travis Lupick shares stories from his recent book, Light Up the Night: America’s Drug Overdose Crisis and the Drug Users Fighting for Survival (New Press, 2022). Told through embedded reporting focused on two heroic activists, Light Up the Night is the story of courageous people stepping in where government has failed. Lupick is also the author of Fighting for Space: Drug Users’ Response to the Overdose Crisis about Canada’s response to the opioid epidemic. Lupick will discuss how Canada and the US have responded to their shared emergency. Interviewing Travis is Amanda Siebert, an award-winning author with a new book released this fall, Psyched: Seven Cutting-Edge Psychedelics Changing the World (Greystone Books, 2022). Recorded on Oct 4, 2022.
VIEWING
ROOM LlGHT UP THE NIGHT: CONVERSATiON WITH TRAVIS LUPICK
Thursday October 27, 4pm - 5:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Earlier today, a recorded conversation with author and award-winning journalist Travis Lupick was presented online on the Festival website. For those who don’t have access to the internet, or want to listen to this conversation again, here is an opportunity to watch the recording in the Carnegie Viewing Room.
PHOTO EXHIBIT
ONCE UPON A TIME
Douglas Kennedy, Clement Young-Mangin
Thursday October 27, 6pm - 8pm
Also Oct 28
RayCam Cooperative Community Centre, 920 E. Hastings Free
Douglas Kennedy and Clement Young-Mangin will exhibit a collection of photographic prints, along with multimedia pieces shared by the RayCam community. Douglas Kennedy is a well-known creative photographer based in Vancouver. His experience includes a combination of studies, international freelancing in the fashion world, and extensive world travels. Doug started teaching photography at Raycam on his birthday in October of 1986 and continues to this day; he can usually be found in the RayCam darkroom on Thursday mornings. Photographer Clement Young-Mangin, age 15, has been shooting for around three years. He enjoys taking photos of nature and wildlife. He started out shooting digital but discovered his grandfather’s collection of analog cameras that led to trying out film. Since then, he has been learning from Doug Kennedy and Alex Mackenzie how to shoot, develop and print black & white film.
SHADOW THEATRE
INTANGIBLE TREASURES OF THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
Thursday October 27, 7pm - 9pm Online,
Registration required
Free, donations appreciated
Will also be livestreamed in the Carnegie Viewing Room, 401 Main
Intangible Treasures of the Downtown Eastside (Zoom Shadow Two) is a collection of short shadow plays created on the Zoom platform by artists Dallas, Stephen Lytton, Rev. Dr. Victoria Marie, Gunargie O’Sullivan (ga’axstasalas), Priscillia Mays Tait, Savannah Walling and Elwin Xie. They share intangible personal treasures that give them strength: from their culture and lived experiences to family stories and Chinatown’s Union Laundry. Co-directors Sarah May Redmond and Cathy Stubington worked with collaborating storytellers, along with composer Joelysa Pakanea and Anthony McNab Favel, Nadine Spence, Mike Richter and Fanna Yee who added layers of musical magic, visual design or helped as puppeteers. Join the artists on Zoom for Q&A following the presentation. Co-produced by Runaway Moon Theatre (Enderby, BC/Secwépemc homelands) and Vancouver Moving Theatre. Runaway Moon Theatre were inspiring mentors of VMT in the development of the 2003 Downtown Eastside Community Play; and collaborators with VMT on The Minotaur Dreams and TRACKS Symposium.
COMEDY
Famous Last Words
Thursday October 27, 7pm - 10pm
Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema
SFU Woodwards, 149 W. Hastings
Tickets: $12
In Famous Last Words, five contestants or provocateurs attempt to win their way into the heart of our master of ceremonies, Sara Bynoe, through games designed to test their literary and comedic merit. With the assistance of the audience and her trusty unicorn sidekick, Hilary Angus, our MC will decide who performs best while dolphining a balloon on their nose, whose picture of a puppy most looks like a famous poet, and whose haiku is the funniest. Famous Last Words is proud to welcome back returning champion Dina Del Bucchia, RC Weslowski, Lucia Misch, Johnny Trinh and a player to be named later. This event is made possible with the support and assistance of Simon Fraser University's Vancity Office of Community Engagement, The League of Canadian Poets, Hummingbird Communications and Design, and Death Rides a Unicorn Events.
BURLESQUE
Virago Nation
Thursday October 27, 8pm
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Tickets: $20. Tickets available at bit.ly/VGN2022
Virago Nation is a collective of Indigenous artists creating performance through burlesque, theatre, song and spoken word as well as workshops, and community networks rematriating Indigenous sexuality. Founded in May 2016, Virago Nation is on a mission to reclaim Indigenous sexuality from the toxic effects of colonization. Through humour, seduction, pop culture and politics they will show that Indigenous women will not be confined to the colonial virgin-whore dichotomy but will design a new dynamic and multi-faceted sexual identity rooted in their own desires. This is their reconciliation.
RADIO
ARTS RATIONAL
Thursday October 27, 9pm - 11pm
Live Broadcast Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Gerry Kowalenko regularly hosts in-depth Interviews and commentary on the local arts scene. For this evening Jay Hamburger hosts a special Festival hour on Arts Rational. Jay talks with poet, writer and activist Gilles Cyrenne who has initiated a new poetry program, Spontaneous Poetry, taking place in front of the Carnegie Centre for three days during the Festival. Jay also talks with storyteller Jim Sands who will present Celebrating Friends and Mentors: a Storytelling Cabaret as well as a new program We Are Somebody, that celebrates the creative spirit of the Downtown Eastside community. Guest poet is Patrick Foley with poems of concern for the Downtown Eastside.
DIALOGUE
8TH SYMPOSIUM ON RECONCILIATION & REDRESS IN THE ARTS: STORIES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OUR GOVERNANCE
Friday October 28, 10am - 2pm
Online
Free for DTES Residents, Registration and info
For the Festival's 8th Annual Symposium, we present Stories Have Always Been Our Governance, a national dialogue on culture in Indigenous cities that considers the needs of Indigenous cultural and urban practitioners. The Symposium's tradition continues with a deep-dive for settler cultural and land-based organizations to learn from successful strategies of showing up to do redress in policies and systems in building Indigenous cities. The day opens with an inspiring panel of Indigenous urban cultural leaders from across Turtle Island, followed by a music performance lunch break, and afternoon training in small group breakout sessions.
This is for people who understand that reconciliation is broken in Canada, and want to be inspired with knowledge and tools to get past reconciliation and act on redress. The Symposium is a safe place to discuss how to take the next steps into policy action to create conditions for urban governance and justice. Bring your questions, your inventories, your successes, and your challenges! Presented by Voor Urban Labs and the National Urban Indigenous Coalitions Council, in partnership with Vancouver Moving Theatre and the DTES Heart of the City Festival.
WORKSHOP
GUITARS! GUITARS! GUITARS!
Friday October 28, 10am - 11am & 11:15am - 12:15pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Ever wanted to play guitar? Now is your chance because we have Guitars! Guitars! Guitars! This is a drop-in program and all skill abilities are welcome. If you have never touched a guitar before, or if you want to sing and strum some songs with friends, or if you want to shred a few tunes during a break - come on down! Everyone is welcome.
ART IN THE STREETS
SPONTANEOUS POETRY
Friday October 28, 1pm - 2:30pm
Carnegie Centre outdoor sidewalk, 401 Main Free
Today: Kevin Spenst
Sat Oct 29: Fiona Tinwei Lam | Sun Oct 30: Gilles Cyrenne
Have you ever wondered what a poet or writer could do with one of your thoughts or ideas? Here’s your chance to find out. This year’s DTES Heart of the City Festival sponsors a Spontaneous Writing Booth for three days just outside of the Carnegie Community Centre. Bring an idea for a poem, and the poet will take your idea and write a poem or maybe a couple of paragraphs of prose poetry for you to take away. They will do the best they can, in the moment, to create something memorable that’s relevant to your idea. The poets look forward to seeing you.
TOUR
GUIDED TOUR OF ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN CHURCH
Friday October 28, 3:30pm
St James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
An invitation to visit St. James’ Church, a heritage gem, with a commentary on its history and architecture. There will be an opportunity for those who wish to climb the bell tower.
CONVERSATION
Community in the Making
Friday October 28, 5pm - 7pm
Online, Register at https://bit.ly/CITM202 Free
Join Jing Li and guest speakers in an online panel discussion on Community In The Making, based on Jing Li’s doctoral research (2014-2017) exploring the role of the Heart of the City Festival in the Downtown Eastside community. Guided by this year’s theme, Community Is Our Mentor, Jing will revisit some past Festival events and the involvement of invited speakers Stephen Lytton, Grace Eiko Thomson, John Endo Greenaway, Ruth Howard, and Skundaal Bernie Williams (DTES Community Play 2003, Against the Current 2015, Terrain of Thought 2015, and Survivors Totem Pole 2015). They will share their journeys of knowing and learning about the community-that-is-in-the-making and is our mentor.
ART IN THE STREETS
ART MARKET IN THE ATRIUM
Friday October 28, 5pm - 9pm
Woodwards Atrium, 111 W. Hastings
Also Oct 29 & Oct 30
Audiences going to see BOXSET at KW Atrium Studio on Oct. 28, 29 & 30 are in for a treat: you will be able to shop at an Art Market in the Atrium before and after the presentations. Original work for sale includes Native carving, beaded earrings, paintings, drawings, toques, DTES T-shirts, magnets, badges, cards and decorations. The local artists at the special three-day Festival Art Market are Alida, Diane, John, Jujube, Mike, Mildred, Montana, Norman, Teresa, Tina, Victoria and Wendy. Everyone is welcome.
MULTIMEDIA PERFORMANCE
BOXSET
Friday October 28, 6pm & 7:30pm
KW Atrium Studio, 111 W. Hastings
Also Oct 29 & Oct 30
Free registration here
Do you believe in magic? Come and join Victoria Gibson and Miriam Esquitín in a space where the impossible is visualized with sound, light and motion. Slip into a dreamspace inside the BOXSET where a series of surreal experiences await. Every journey is different as we encounter new energy and emotion to claim the imagination of both the performers and the audience.
READING
JOE SACCO: PAYING THE LAND
Friday October 28, 6pm
Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre
SFU Woodwards, 149 W. Hastings
Free Register here
The subarctic Canadian Northwest Territories are home to valuable resources, including oil, gas, and diamonds. With mining came jobs and investment, but also road-building, pipelines, and toxic waste, which scarred the landscape and deformed the ways of life for Dene communities. Join cartoonist and journalist Joe Sacco, to explore these issues through his book Paying the Land – which lends an ear to trappers and chiefs, activists and priests, to tell a sweeping story about money, dependency, loss, and culture. Discussion and Q&A, moderated by Glenn Coulthard. Co-presented by SFU’s Vancity Office Office of Community Engagement and the DTES Heart of the City Festival.
PHOTO EXHIBIT
Once Upon A Time
Friday October 28, 6pm - 8pm
RayCam Cooperative Community Centre, 920 E. Hastings
Also Oct 27 Free
Douglas Kennedy and Clement Young-Mangin will exhibit a collection of photographic prints, along with multimedia pieces shared by the RayCam community. Douglas Kennedy is a well-known creative photographer based in Vancouver. His experience includes a combination of studies, international freelancing in the fashion world, and extensive world travels. Doug started teaching photography at Raycam on his birthday in October of 1986 and continues to this day; he can usually be found in the RayCam darkroom on Thursday mornings. Photographer Clement Young-Mangin, age 15, has been shooting for around three years. He enjoys taking photos of nature and wildlife. He started out shooting digital but discovered his grandfather’s collection of analog cameras that led to trying out film. Since then, he has been learning from Doug Kennedy and Alex Mackenzie how to shoot, develop and print black & white film.
FILM & DISCUSSION
DON’T READ US THE BOOK WE WROTE: RESEARCH 101
Friday October 28, 7pm - 8:30pm
312 Main Free
Register here
Join members of the CREW team for a screening of Don’t Read Us the Book We Wrote (2022, 18 min), the mini-documentary about the development of DTES CREW (Community Research Ethics Workshop). The film shares the poignant story of community members coming together to create a new approach regarding research in the DTES. Director Janina Krabbe and videographer Duncan Ris follow the group, from publishing Research 101: A Manifesto for Ethical Research in the Downtown Eastside (2018), to travelling the world and university classrooms, and working with academic institutional research ethics boards and paradigm-shifting policy advancements. CREW is an idea based in the true collaborative spirit of the DTES, and its potential for positive, progressive social change. The conversation continues to blossom to this day, in new petals of potential, respect, and reciprocity. Screening followed by speakers and community conversation.
THEATRE
STRIKING AND SINGING! AN EVENING OF SONGS FROM BATTLE OF BALLANTYNE PIER THE MUSICAL
Friday October 28, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Battle of Ballantyne Pier is a locally-created new musical about the longshore workers’ strike of 1935 in Vancouver and the bloody confrontation known in Canadian labour history as the Battle of Ballantyne Pier. Book by Sherry MacDonald; songs by Thomas Jones, Sherry MacDonald and Russell Wallace. For this evening’s performance, songs are performed by Thomas Jones and Sarah May Redmond. All are friends of the Festival; Sherry is an award-winning playwright who presented an excerpt of Battle of Ballantyne Pier in 2018; Thomas is an actor and songwriter whose show Woody
Sed about Woody Guthrie was also part of the Festival in 2018; Sarah May Redmond is a theatre artist and musician, who this year is co-director of Intangible Treasures of the Downtown Eastside with Runaway Moon Theatre; and Russell, a multi-award-winning composer, producer and traditional singer from the Lil’wat Nation, has performed many times at the festival with his family group Tzo’kam. facebook.com/ballantynemusical
CULTURAL SHARING
KEEPING THE FIRES BURNING
Honouring Our Grandmothers’ Healing Journey
Saturday October 29, 10am - 4pm
Oppenheimer Park, 400 block Powell Free
A ceremonial fire is lit.
“Honouring our Grandmothers Healing Journey” originated from the Interior Salish Matriarchs and peoples of Nlaka’pamux and Secwépemc. We’re people who’ve lived with fire since time immemorial, with traditional firekeepers who maintained the lands with fire for protection, food and health with the natural cycle of all things. We were taught very young to respect fire through traditional teachings passed down from generations of Indigenous tribes and Grandmothers, whose spirits guide and protect us to this day.”– Nadine Spence
10am – 4pm Artwork, Projects and Healing Journey Information
Artwork by Irene Adams, Nadine Spence, and Roger Spence.
1pm – 3pm Opening and Arriving of Community Elements Message Chest
The opening arriving ceremony for the community Elements Chest is hosted by Community Engagement Mentor Stephen Lytton, and accompanied with a song by Dalannah Gail Bowen. The chest will arrive in Oppenheimer Park, carried by youth guardians. Elements Chest artists who finished the chest with visual art and poetry will be acknowledged.
Guests are invited to contribute messages (words, images, poems) to the Community Elements travelling chest. These messages are for their Grandmothers, families, lands and waters: to help celebrate, bring closure and guide spirits home. These messages will be properly respected, released and laid to rest in ceremony on completion of “Honouring our Grandmothers Healing Journey”.
FILM & DIALOGUE
Learning from Community:
Housing Justice with SRO Tenants
Saturday October 29, 1pm - 3pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Registration for non-DTES residents available online Free
You are invited to watch three short films, followed by a conversation circle with SRO tenants Nicole Baxter, Kevin Nanaquewitang, Josh Gillen, Richard Schwab and Tom deGrey. In a collaboration with The Right to Remain Research Collective and filmmaker Eliot Galán, this interactive dialogue and film screening showcases three vignettes of SRO (Single Room Occupancy) tenant researchers who are leaders in their community. Their stories of self-determination in housing struggles open up space for collective learning. They invite audiences to share in their vision of transitional strategies for affordable, safe and healthy SRO housing. The audience will be invited to offer questions. Come early to meet the crew, stay after 3pm to join in a community meal.
ART IN THE STREETS
SPONTANEOUS POETRY
Saturday October 29, 1pm - 2:30pm
Carnegie Centre outdoor sidewalk,
401 Main Free
Today: Vancouver’s Poet Laureate, Fiona Tinwei Lam
Fri Oct 28: Kevin Spenst | Sun Oct 30: Gilles Cyrenne
Have you ever wondered what a poet or writer could do with one of your thoughts or ideas? Here’s your chance to find out! This year’s DTES Heart of the City Festival sponsors a Spontaneous Writing Booth for three days just outside the front door of the Carnegie Community Centre. Bring an idea for a poem, and the poet will transform your idea into a poem or maybe a couple of paragraphs of prose poetry for you to take home. They will do the best they can, in the moment, to create a memorable and relevant response to your idea. The poets look forward to meeting you.
FAMILY WORKSHOP
MAY THE WATER IN ME SING FOR THE WATER IN YOU
Saturday October 29, 1pm - 4pm
Left of Main, 211 Keefer
Register here, call 778-822-7349, or register on the spot
Pay-what-you-can. Everybody welcome.
A family friendly hands-on event with painting, singing and dancing stories; a workshop for all ages with Alexandra Thomson. Rain or shine. Alexandra is a Métis artist, teacher, mother of two, Aunty to many. She has been teaching art, drama, and dance for over thirty years. She was a participant at the first Aboriginal Dance Project at the Banff Centre, and holds an MEd with a focus on Creativity. She sings with The Daughters of the Drum and continues to seek out ceremony as a way of being in good relationship to all of life. Presenting partners: Andrea Menard, Surrey Art Gallery, MascallDance, Canada Council for the Arts, Elder Aline La Flamme, Left of Main.
ART IN THE STREETS
ART MARKET IN THE ATRIUM
Saturday October 29, 5pm - 9pm
Woodwards Atrium, 111 W. Hastings
Also on Fri Oct 28 & Sun Oct 30
Audiences attending the performance of BOXSET at KW Atrium Studio on Oct. 28, 29 & 30 will have a special treat: an opportunity to shop at a pop-up Art Market in the Atrium before and after the presentations. Original work for sale includes Native carving, beaded earrings, paintings, drawings, toques, DTES T-shirts, magnets, badges, cards and decorations. Local artists participating in this special 3-day Festival Art Market include Alida, Diane, John, Jujube, Mike, Mildred, Montana, Norman, Teresa, Tina, Victoria and Wendy. Everyone welcome.
MULTIMEDIA PERFORMANCE
BOXSET
Saturday October 29, 6pm & 7:30pm
Also Fri Oct 28 & Sun Oct 30
KW Atrium Studio, 111 W. Hastings
Free Register here
Do you believe in magic? Come and join Victoria Gibson and Miriam Esquitín in a space where the impossible is visualized with sound, light and motion. Slip into a dreamspace inside the BOXSET where a series of surreal experiences await. Every journey is different as we encounter new energy and emotion to claim the imagination of both the performers and the audience.
MUSIC
Patsy Klein/Tony Wilson Band
Saturday October 29, 7:30pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Patsy Klein and the Tony Wilson Band will perform for you compositions from two multi-media projects by guitarist Wilson: “Looking Back” (dealing with the issue of child abuse); and “The Homeless Project”. Vocalist Patsy Klein (Veda Hille, The Colourifics) and guitarist Tony Wilson (Peggy Lee Band, Pugs and Crows) began collaborating eight years ago. They initially performed as a duo and after a year were joined by bassist Russell Sholberg and drummer Kenton Loewen. Since that time the quartet has appeared at a variety of venues in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and at the Vancouver Jazz Festival. The band concentrates on original material and also performs covers by a variety of artists.
KARAOKE
Karaoke Festival
Special at The West
Saturday October 29, 8pm - 1am
The West Hotel, 488 Carrall Free
Longtime host Gordon Paul dominates the karaoke scene in the DTES. With brusque encouragement, Gordon will get you to step up to the mic and sing it out! This local watering hole is a community favourite where everyone knows your name. Go ahead, singing will make you happy!
WALKING TOUR
TWO AMIGOS WALKING TOUR, WITH JOHN ATKIN AND BOB SUNG
Sunday October 30, 10am - 11:30am SOLD OUT
JUST ADDED 1pm - 2:30pm
Limited capacity, Registration required
$10 / low income pay what you can
The Festival is excited to present a walking exploration with the powerhouse duo of John Atkin and Bob Sung. The Two Amigos bring unique insights to the neighbourhood’s history, culture and architecture. Along the way you’ll discover what’s in the herbal stores, the fight for neighbourhood preservation, local architecture, and bbq’d meats! John is a civic historian and heritage consultant, and Bob hosts cultural and culinary tours of Chinatown.
ART IN THE STREETS
SPONTANEOUS POETRY
Sunday October 30, 1pm - 2:30pm
Carnegie Centre outdoor sidewalk, 401 Main Free
Today: Gilles Cyrenne
Fri Oct 28: Kevin Spenst | Sat Oct 29: Fiona Tinwei Lam
Have you ever wondered what a poet or writer could do with one of your thoughts or ideas. Here’s your chance to find out. This year’s DTES Heart of the City Festival sponsors a Spontaneous Writing Booth for three days just outside of the Carnegie Community Centre. Bring an idea for a poem, and the poet will take your idea and write a poem or maybe a couple of paragraphs of prose poetry for you to take home. They will do the best they can, in the moment, to create something memorable that’s relevant to your idea. The poets look forward to seeing you.
SHOWCASE
CELEBRATING FRIENDS AND MENTORS:
A STORYTELLING CABARET
Sunday October 30, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Friendship and mentorship are essential building blocks of community. This celebration features stories, music, and poetry by a line-up of seasoned DTES performers. They will be performing pieces honouring friends and mentors who inspire our lives and community. Who are the ones that have guided us? What can we learn from their example? What are the conditions that make friendship and mentorship thrive? Join this event and remember to stay around for the panel discussion on mentorship and writing that follows. Facilitated by Jim Sands, an East Vancouver-based storyteller, musician and performer.
PANEL
POETS, WRITERS, MENTORS & MENTEES, IT’S COMPLICATED!
Sunday October 30, 2pm – 3:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
It’s never been easy to be a poet or a writer and in these quickly changing times, writers need to create a hub of support with their peers. Today’s conversation questions: how to make connections, how to support Downtown Eastside writers more, how to get known outside of the DTES? In these times, how do you take care of yourself? How do you keep moving forward? How do you find support? Where are we now and where are we going? As the scene changes, established writers spend more time with emerging writers, and that needs a formal structure - and then how does that affect the environment again? It’s complicated!
Guests: Fiona Tinwei Lam, author, poet, mentor, collaborator and Vancouver’s Poet Laureate - “the people’s poet” - for 2022-2024; Henry Doyle, DTES warrior-poet-janitor and winner of the 2022 Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize (BC Book Prizes) for his poetry collection No
Shelter; and Elee Kraljii Gardiner, author, poet, editor and founding director of Thursdays Writing Collective.
Moderated by Betsy Warland, a leading writer, teacher, and manuscript mentor/editor. Throughout her career, Warland has been dedicated to emerging writers; from initiating the Toronto Women’s Writing Collective in 1975 to the design and direction of SFU’s The Writer’s Studio in 2001, leading to Thursdays Writing Collective in the Downtown Eastside.
WORKSHOPS (for youth)
COMMUNITY IS COLLAGE: CUTTING OUT THE STORIES THAT SHAPED US
Sunday October 30, 1pm - 5pm
Also Nov 6
Massy Art Gallery, 23 E. Pender
Free. Register at massyarts.com
Massy Arts and Vancouver-based visual artists Rafael Zen and Khalil Alomar present a paper collage workshop for young artists (ages 14-18) that aims to teach the artistic techniques of paper collage while putting into dialogue three systemic and intersectional concepts that have built and shaped contemporary societies: race, class, and gender. This in-person workshop is planned for all artistic levels; no previous experience is needed.
EXHIBITION TOUR
TRUE TO PLACE: STÍMETSTEXW TEL XÉLTEL
Sunday October 30, 3pm
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby
Free admission from 3pm - 4pm
Walk through the True to Place: stímetstexw tel xéltel exhibition with guest curator Carrielynn Victor. Join the tour for an inside look at the work of the ten featured artists and hear the stories about their paintings. If you’re unable to attend in-person, the tour will be recorded and made available online. The Gallery thanks their Community Access Partner, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA), for their continued support.
www.billreidgallery.ca
WORK-IN-PROGRESS
DONT FEED ‘DA PIGEONS
Sunday October 30, 4pm - 4:15pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
What is it about pigeons? When you shoo them, they always come back. They sit on the ledge outside and look in, observing everything. Lance Lim has a fascination with pigeons; sometimes they’re seen as a pest or as invisible, and sometimes we’re in awe of their resilience and determination. In this short work-in-progress, Lance creates movement to explore this contradiction. Lance is a contemporary performance artist, with a background in dance and theatre; born and raised in Strathcona, he was always a mover. He continues to see the world with a sense of curiosity.
ART IN THE STREETS
ART MARKET IN THE ATRIUM
Sunday October 30, 5pm - 9pm
Woodwards Atrium, 111 W. Hastings
Also Fri Oct 28 & Sat Oct 29
Audiences going to see BOXSET at KW Atrium Studio on Oct. 28, 29 & 30 will have a special treat and be able to shop at an Art Market in the Atrium before and after the presentations. Original work for sale includes Native carving, beaded earrings, paintings, drawings, toques, DTES Tshirts, magnets, badges, cards and decorations. The local artists at the special 3-day Festival Art Market are Alida, Diane, John, Jujube, Mike, Mildred, Montana, Norman, Teresa, Tina, Victoria and Wendy. Everyone welcome.
MULTIMEDIA PERFORMANCE
BOXSET
Sunday October 30, 6pm & 7:30pm
Also Oct 28 & Oct 29
KW Atrium Studio, 111 W. Hastings
Free Register here
Do you believe in magic? Come and join Victoria Gibson and Miriam Esquitín in a space where the impossible is visualized with sound, light and motion. Slip into a dreamspace inside the BOXSET where a series of surreal experiences await. Every journey is different as we encounter new energy and emotion to claim the imagination of both the performers and the audience.
MUSIC
URBAN BANDSCAPE with Carnegie Jazz Band alumni
Sunday October 30, 7pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
The Festival is thrilled to bring an evening of jazz, rock, funk and improvised music to Carnegie! This not-to-be-missed concert of exceptional musicianship and socially relevant content features the newly minted Urban Bandscape with guest appearances from alumni of the Carnegie Jazz Band. The concert, entitled Gritty City, is designed to blow the roof off Carnegie and features a selection of original songs by Brad Muirhead; popular standards heard in the clubs and streets of Vancouver’s historic East End; and songs from the Downtown Eastside songbook.
Urban Bandscape is a collaboration between trombonist/composer/arranger Brad Muirhead, Stephen Robb (woodwinds, piano) and Tom Pickett (vocals). The group is rounded out with Adrian Smith (trumpet), Brent Gubbels (bass) and Elliot Polsky (drums). Joining this stellar lineup is Liam White (guitar) and alumni from the Carnegie Jazz Band: Mark Boreen (tenor sax), Lorae Farrell (trumpet), Terry Hunter (piano), Michel Vles (flute) and Gary Wildeman (drums). Terry Hunter will emcee, with narration written by Savannah Walling.
WORKSHOP
HALLOWE’EN COLOURING WORKSHOP
Monday October 31, 10am - 4pm
Evelyne Saller Centre, 404 Alexander Free
Here’s your opportunity to get creative with Halloween puzzles, colouring pages, and painting of pumpkins. Evelyne Saller Centre serves clients of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, offering cafeteria services, laundry and free showers. The Recreation Department provides a variety of games and tournaments, health clinics and helpful resources. Drop in and see their brand new facility at 404 Alexander Street. Supplies provided. Everyone welcome.
WORKSHOP
DAY OF THE DEAD DECORATIONS WORKSHOP
Monday October 31, 11am - 12pm
Watari Counselling & Support Services, 678 E. Hastings Free
The DTES community is coming together to make decorations to place on the altars for Day of the Dead, as we remember and honour those we have lost. The celebration of the Day of the Dead is an Indigenous tradition common to many Latin American countries and cultures: a holiday that is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. Traditions and customs vary but the most important tradition is the Altar (the ofrenda). Join the workshop to make paper flowers and other decorations to add to one of the community altars. Everyone welcome.
STORYSHARING
Stories from the Heart
Monday October 31, 12:30pm - 2pm
Carnegie 3rd Floor Gallery, 401 Main Free
Stories from the heart shared by the Carnegie Centre’s Indigenous Advisory Committee will offer an uplifting afternoon of conversation with committee members. They will share their stories of community, connections and histories from the past to the present. Drop by to listen to these inspirational stories, and enjoy an opportunity to talk with the committee during question & answer sharing.
RADIO
When Spirit Whispers on Co-op Radio
Monday October 31, 1pm - 2:30pm
Live Broadcast, Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
In the landscape of reconciliation, host Gunargie O’Sullivan focuses on the current relationship between Canada and First Nations in urban Vancouver. To reach Gunargie and be part of her show during the Festival, email gunargie.coopradio@gmail.com. Listen to Co-op Radio!
OPENING RECEPTION
THREE CASES: A LITTLE ACT OF KINDNESS
Les Nelson, Sylvan Hamburger, Mildred Grace German
Monday October 31, 3pm - 4:30pm
Exhibition Oct 31 to Nov 29
Carnegie 3rd Floor Gallery, 401 Main Free
This exhibition celebrates art created in the community – the Art in the Park Project with Les Nelson and Sylvan Hamburger, and a variety of mixed media creations by Mildred Grace German and the Oppenheimer Ladies Tea Party. Now or in the past, little acts of kindness have helped us to mentor, and be mentored. When someone touches our hearts, the wonderful experience of kindness generates cascading ripples of good. This show is dedicated to you and all of us. We honour the many art and cultural events in our community: from community kitchen gatherings to the daring ladies tea parties and struggles for safe spaces, from elders sharing their wisdom and knowledge to frontline workers and advocates, from art-making and gatherings in the parks to groups and individuals who are dreaming and working for a better world and healing of all souls. Celebrate at the opening reception with Elder Les Nelson and artists Sylvan Hamburger and Mildred Grace German.
MUSIC
EVIL CULT SINGALONG WITH THE LEGION OF FLYING MONKEYS
Monday October 31, 4pm - 5pm
MacLean Park Fieldhouse, 710 Keefer Free
Come in costume to MacLean Park for the third annual Legion of Flying Monkeys Evil* Cult Singalong! Enjoy a rousing good time with music composed for wildly original instruments built out of Strathcona-grown wood; dance to protest-folk-rock and join in the pledge to become part of a larger, completely benevolent corporation. What could possibly go wrong?
*Caution: children will be exposed to humanist and socialist lyrics.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
HALLOWE’EN PARTY AT THE DTES MARKET
Monday October 31, 4pm - 7pm
NEW LOCATION InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, entrance on Carrall | Free
Also live broadcast on Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM, and live streamed on Heart of the City Festival Facebook page.
Celebrate with the Downtown Eastside for everyone’s favourite party – Hallowe’en! The afternoon kicks off with live DJ Angle and a birthday celebration for Trey Helten. Wear your best costume and at 4:30pm enter the Costume Contest Parade; there will be prizes for best and most creative. At 5pm Miss G will host standup comedian Nick Perry, guitarist Mark McLeod, poet Lisa Wilson, and singer Makeda Martin. And at 6pm, a top secret spooktacular band takes the stage; it’s not a trick, it’s a treat! An important resource and exciting place in the neighbourhood loved by many, the DTES Market supports hundreds of community members by providing a safe space to vend and supplement their incomes.
WORKSHOP
ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP
Tuesday November 1, 11am - 2pm
Evelyne Saller Centre, 404 Alexander Free
Unleash your creative talents at a do-it-yourself acrylic painting party. Evelyne Saller Centre serves clients of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, offering cafeteria services, laundry and free showers. The Recreation Department provides a variety of games and tournaments, health clinics and helpful resources. Drop in and see their brand new facility at 404 Alexander Street. Supplies provided. Everyone welcome.
ART IN THE STREETS
DRUMS ON THE PATIO
Tuesday November 1, 12pm - 2pm
Carnegie Patio, 401 Main Free
The Festival presents Art in the Streets with music, visual arts and poetry. A number of community performers and artists are taking part, including today’s lunchtime presentation. John Sam and Love Medicine bring the big drum and will sing on Carnegie’s outdoor patio. Thanks to the Carnegie Indigenous Programs for their support.
ART TALK
OPEN HOUSE AT THE CLINIC
Tuesday November 1, 1pm - 4:30pm
Downtown Community Health Centre, 569 Powell
Free, Everyone welcome
Come join community artists for a creative afternoon at the Downtown Community Health Centre. Artists will exhibit some of their work and you'll have a chance to talk with them about themes and techniques. Watch a couple of films, including a short video by Arlene Bowman and a longer film and documentary on John Walkus Green. There will also be art for sale. The Health Centre runs an all inclusive art program supporting people in the Downtown Eastside.
RADIO
Going Indigenous on Co-op Radio
Tuesday November 1, 1pm - 2:30pm
Live Broadcast, Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Hosted by Gunargie O’Sullivan, the program Going Indigenous with Miss GVS explores Indigenous art and language in the Downtown Eastside. For the fourth of her radio programs for this year’s Heart of the City Festival, Gunargie will go live from the radio station to talk with people and artists who live and work on the neighbourhood’s streets. To reach Gunargie and be part of her show during the Festival, email gunargie.coopradio@gmail.com. Listen to Co-op Radio!
CIRCLE CONVERSATION
TALKING TRUTHS: DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE GRANDMOTHERS COLLECTIVE
Tuesday November 1, 5pm - 6:30pm PST
Online, Registration required by Oct 25 at bit.ly/CCTT22
Free, donations appreciated
You are invited to gather with the DTES Grandmothers Collective for a gentle sharing circle and artist-talk around the theme of hope and how we gather our stories and share our passions. Join Sharon Jinkerson-Brass, Dalannah Gail Bowen, Rosemary Georgeson and Savannah Walling, with host Olivia C. Davies (O.Dela Arts) to share the experience of creative collaboration and neo-Indigenous ways of (re)creating ceremony. Witnesses are invited to sit in this virtual circle with the artists as they speak to each other with open hearts and open minds. The circle conversation is on Zoom, followed by an interactive Q&A. To register, go to the Festival website. Limited to 50 people.
SHADOW JAM
ART IS VITAL
Tuesday November 1, 7pm - 9:30pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall
Free, Register at bit.ly/ILLICIT2022
Illicit Projects theatre coalition presents Art is Vital with guests Mind of a Snail puppet CO. You are invited to join these artists for an interactive experience using the visual storytelling medium of shadow puppetry, live theatre and music. You, the audience, will be encouraged to participate in a “shadow jam”, working with overhead projectors, digital media, a variety of musical instruments, and materials used in shadow puppetry and cinema. Founding members of both companies will lead the collaborative workshop, as well as discuss the impacts their productions have had on themselves and audiences that have witnessed their performances. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Just bring an imagination!
CULTURAL SHARING
HEARTS BEAT 2022
Tuesday November 1, 7pm – 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main
Also Livestream on the Festival website Free
Come listen to the stories of Hearts Beat, a musical exploration of the shared traditions of drums, dance and song between Indigenous and Irish cultures.
Join us in person or virtually to watch the world premiere of Hearts Beat, the Film (2022, 17 min) along with live performances with lexwst’í:lem drum group, Ceól Abú Irish musicians, the De Danaan Irish dancers, and much more! Hearts Beat is honoured by the participation of Mary Point, Chief Bill Williams, Consul General Cathy Geagon and Vice Consul General Adam Duffy, Consulate General of Ireland Vancouver.
This evening of entertainment promises to foster intercultural learning, spark new connections, and inspire our hearts and minds. Hearts Beat is proud to be part of the 19th Annual Heart of the City Festival and is a collaboration between the Carnegie Community Centre Indigenous Programs, the UBC Learning Exchange, the Irish Consulate, and Carnegie Community Centre Association. For inquiries please contact Nicole Bird, nicole.bird@vancouver.ca. Livestream viewing available on the Heart of the City Festival website.
WORKSHOP
Collage for Self-Discovery and Expressive Art
Wednesday November 2, 1pm - 3pm
Also Wed Oct 26, 1pm - 3pm
EWMA Studio, 800 E. Hastings Free
The fine folks at EWMA present a collage workshop, led by Rosina Santillana. Collage is a creative approach to making art; by deconstructing a subject, artists can put it back together in a new way to explore themes and images of self-discovery and personal expression. EWMA Studio's goal is to create Safe Space for arts-based wellness activities for anyone who identifies and lives full-time as a woman, including trans, two spirit and intersex women, and/or those in the Downtown Eastside who identify with a femme-of-centre non-binary gender to express themselves. The Studio allows for individuals to make art, learn new skills, and create marketable products, all while having fun and networking.
MUSIC
BELLS OF ST JAMES’
Wednesday November 2, 2pm
St James’ Angllican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
At 2pm, come to the corner of Gore and E. Cordova, or stop outdoors in the surrounding streets and listen for the ringing of the bells from St. James' Anglican Church for All Souls’ Day and Day of the Dead. "The bells at St. James”, with a full octave range, were cast in 1937 in Loughborough, England, and continue sounding to this day. The tenor bell, weighing two tons, is the bell that’s heard tolling, and for special occasions, all eight bells play together.
RADIO
NO APOLOGIES NECESSARY
Wednesday November 2, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Live Broadcast Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Join hosts Kenan Sungar and Charlie Dangerface for live interviews with up-and-coming Canadian musicians and talent. Special festival guests include rock ‘n roll veteran Joe Chow, Highs & Lows Mental Health Choir, and poet RC Weslowski. Listen to Co-op Radio!
CULTURAL SHARING
TRAVELLING MESSAGE CHESTS TALK
Honouring Our Grandmothers’ Healing Journey
Wednesday November 2, 6pm - 7:30pm
Massy Arts Gallery, 23 E. Pender
Free, registration required, massyarts.com
As part of the Honouring Our Grandmothers Healing Journey, chest artists and youth guardian chest carriers will share lived histories as Indigenous peoples, the vision of their chest artwork, and what the healing journey means to them personally and as a collective. We are honoured to be joined by bentwood chest maker Peter Wayne Gong (Stó:lō and Squamish). The multi-generational Indigenous speakers include chest artists Ed Archie Noisecat, Mike Alexander, Mike Dangeli, Nadine Spence, and youth guardian carrier William Nelson. The talk will be followed by Q&A. Presented by Massy Arts Society in collaboration with Sacred Rock, and in partnership with Vancouver Moving Theatre / Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
DAY OF THE DEAD
Wednesday November 2
“Day of the dead, a celebration of memory and a ritual that privileges remembrance over oblivion.”
The celebration of the Day of the Dead is an indigenous tradition common to many Latin American countries and cultures. Dia de Muertos came from a mixture of the Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess, Mictecacihuatl, with the Catholic influence. Mictecacihuatl is the “lady of the dead” and it is said that she watches over the bones of the dead and swallows the stars during the day. Mexicans have since transformed it into a truly unique holiday that they honour every year on November 1st and 2nd. The most important tradition is the Altar (the ofrenda).
Day of the Dead Community Altars
Wed Nov 2, walks leave 1:30pm & 3:30pm
Meet at Watari, 678 E. Hastings Free
The Watari community will lead two walks to visit five community altars, beginning at 678 E. Hastings, stopping along the way at Watari, Oppenheimer Park, Vandu, Listening Post, and Carnegie Community Centre. “A Day of the Dead altar is the portal from which the deceased crosses back to the world of the living”, said Aldo Cruz, an altarista (altar designer). Each altar is decorated and provides an opportunity to leave a gift to celebrate the dead. Various elements include salt, water, candles, sugar skulls, incense, flowers, bread, paper, food and photos of loved ones.
Day of the Dead Fiesta
Wed Nov 2, 4pm - 6pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
The Watari community will celebrate and honour the Day of the Dead with a small fiesta to eat traditional food, listen to traditional music, and enjoy a hot chocolate with people who want to remember and honour our dead. Presented by Watari Counselling & Support Services, with the Community Death Care Project.
ART IN THE STREETS
MUSIC ON THE STREET
Thursday November 3, 12pm - 2pm
E. Cordova & Gore, NW corner Free
The Festival is pleased to present Art in the Streets, and today we welcome musicians of the Downtown Eastside. Come for an afternoon with singer/songwriter Michael Edward Nardochioni performing original and cover tunes; Anthony Favel and the uplifting sounds of his flute; rock ‘n roll veteran Joe Chow channeling the likes of Elvis Presley and James Brown; and Tumblin’ Dice featuring Marilyn and George, singers and guitarists who love classic blues & rock ‘n roll.
MUSIC IN THE STREETS
HASTINGS STREET BAND
Thursday November 3
12pm & 1pm starts at Keefer & Abbott Free
It’s music in the streets! Join the Hastings Street Band and their upbeat New Orleans style jazz and blues. Led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Brad Muirhead, the band is composed of enthusiastic Downtown Eastside-involved musicians Dennis Esson, Adrian Smith, Mark Boreen, Al Zisman, and Gary Wildeman. Nothing beats the rhythms of the Hastings Street Band!
ART IN THE STREETS
POETRY IN PARKS WORKSHOP:
OPPENHEIMER PARK EDITION!
Thursday November 3, 1pm - 3pm
Oppenheimer Park, 400 block Powell Free
Join the poets on the first Thursday of every month in Oppenheimer Park to write and share poetry from 1pm to 3pm. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! No previous experience necessary. All materials and supplies provided. Please note: This workshop runs rain or shine! If it rains, they will be inside the Fieldhouse at Oppenheimer Park. If the weather is nice, they will set up outside.
SOUND MEDIA
LOBE STUDIO Artist in Residence, James Ash
Thursday November 3
Listening sessions at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm
Lobe Spatial Sound Studio 713 E. Hastings Free
Drop in. First come, first serve. Some spaces reserved.
This year’s Festival theme, Community is Our Mentor, resonates strongly with the LOBE Studio team who’ve partnered with RayCam Community Centre, Crackdown Podcast and the Festival. Lobe, a 4DSound spatial sound studio that, with support from the City of Vancouver, provided a residency to musician/composer James Ash and RayCam to work on community audio projects. Mentored by Ian Wyatt and Alex Penney, James created two sound mixes: one to a 2008 recording of poet Bud Osborn reading his poem No Matter How Vicious the System Is; and the second, to an excerpt from the Crackdown Podcast, Episode 31: Love, Death and Benzodope (April 22, 2022). Crackdown is a Vancouver-based podcast about drug user resistance, led by long time drug user-activist, Garth Mullins. In the excerpt, Garth talks to Trey Helten, a leader in the City's harm reduction response to the deadly new drug combo known as benzodope.
Lobe Studio is dedicated to exploring immersive sound environments with sounds around, above and beneath the listener. It’s the only studio in North America with this technology and they’re making it accessible to the community. Note: the venue has accessibility limitations; there are 2 steps up to the studio, and 2 steps down to the bathroom. There is no accessible sized washroom.
VIDEO & COMMENTARY
DTES Wise: I-Witness Livestreams by Gunargie
Thursday November 3, 1pm - 3pm
InterUrban Gallery, 1 E. Hastings, entrance on Carrall Free
Come to the InterUrban Gallery, right across from Pigeon Park, and see recorded livestream videos captured by Gunargie O’Sullivan aka ga'axstasalas (Kwakuilth Nation) of what she sees on the streets of the Downtown Eastside. Gunargie is a multi-talented media artist, activist, performer, host extraordinaire, and livestream queen who doesn’t shy away from what is happening in our community. She speaks out and stands up against systemic injustices, recording videos as an eye witness. She captures with her camera police conduct, or misconduct; see for yourself, you decide. Recordings of livestreams presented by Gunargie with live commentary and Q&A.
MUSIC
REQUIEM FOR ALL SOULS’
Thursday November 3, 6:30pm
St James’ Anglican Church, 303 E. Cordova Free
At this service we remember all who have died, among them Queen Elizabeth, all who have died of opioid overdose and Covid, all who died at Residential Schools, and our own loved ones. The music will be the North American première of Ian Venables’ Requiem Op. 48. This brilliant new work carries strong echoes of Duruflé in both its recasting of plainsong and its rich modal harmonies, and it offers a thoughtful and deeply-felt response to the ritual of the Requiem Mass as a source of solace and contemplation. Everyone is welcome!
RADIO
Kla How Ya on Co-op Radio
Thursday November 3, 5pm - 6pm
Live Broadcast, Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
Kla How Ya host Gunargie O’Sullivan provides updates and interviews on news and current events. This is a chance to hear what people directly involved or affected have to say about current issues and possible solutions. Today, Gunargie interviews artists taking part in this year’s Heart of the City Festival. To reach Gunargie and be part of her show during the Festival, email gunargie.coopradio@gmail.com. Listen to Co-op Radio!
OPEN HOUSE
Growing with the Pender Womxn’s Night Community
Thursday November 3, 5pm - 7pm
Pender Community Health Centre, 59 W. Pender
Free, open to female identifying and non-binary folks
Come to the weekly Womxn's Night at the Pender Community Health Centre where female identifying and non-binary folks enjoy a safe space for cultural exchange, music and craft-making. Learn about the community map they are creating and other arts activities.
TALK
INHERENT RESPONSIBILITY, CULTURAL PROTOCOL
Honouring Our Grandmothers’ Healing Journey
Thursday November 3, 6pm - 7:30pm
Massy Arts Gallery, 23 E. Pender
Free, registration is required, massyarts.com
As part of the Honouring Our Grandmothers Healing Journey, this conversation centres on developing respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples, the meanings of artwork and poetry placed on a community Elements Chest, and what the experience means to the artists personally. Facilitated by Dr. Mique’l Dangeli (Tsimshian Nation of Metlatkatla Alaska), with Elder Bob Baker (Squamish) and the diverse artists who contributed to the community Elements chest: Odera Igbokwe and Lydia Brown, Stephen Lytton, Savannah Walling, Rita Wong and supporters David Ng and Jen Sungshine. Followed by Q&A. Presented by Massy Arts Society in collaboration with Sacred Rock, and in partnership with Vancouver Moving Theatre / Downtown Eastside Heart of the City Festival.
MUSIC
IRONFEST III, NIGHT ONE
Thursday November 3, 8:30pm
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Also Nov 4 & Nov 5
Tickets $25 each, including service fees
For more info, visit www.coastaljazz.ca/events
Coastal Jazz, in association with the DTES Heart of the City Festival and Music on Main, presents IronFest III, a diverse three-night series of fresh, expressive music at The Ironworks, a cozy and acoustically delightful jewel in the Downtown Eastside. Each night promises unrepeatable and unmissable performances with international innovators, Canadian all-stars, and local lights driving Vancouver’s renowned jazz, new music, and avant-garde scenes. The mini-fest kicks off with two groups, Josh Zubot & Strings and SICK BOSS who enmesh cerebral composition with next-level adventurous improvisation.
RADIO
ARTS RATIONAL
Thursday November 3, 9pm - 11pm
Live Broadcast Co-op Radio CFRO 100.5FM
As the DTES Heart of the City Festival heads into its final weekend, many exciting programs are still to come. Hosted by Gerry Kowalenko and guests, Arts Rational features Interviews and commentary on the local arts scene. For this special Festival evening, host Jay Hamburger profiles Isabella Mori, mother, grandmother, writer, counselor and organizer of the annual Muriel's Journey Poetry Prize. Jay’s second guest is Steve Gidora, whose band The Wheat in the Barley will perform at Together in Peace, the Festival’s closing afternoon concert at the Ukrainian Hall. Patrick Foley returns with poems of concern for the Downtown Eastside. Listen to Co-op Radio!
SHOWCASE
WE ARE SOMEBODY: CELEBRATING THE CREATIVE SPIRIT IN THE DTES
Thursday November 3, 7pm – 8:30pm
nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch (Wo Soon (Mary) Lee Chan Room), 730 E. Hastings
bit.ly/CRLWH2022
It's the biggest story never told! Vancouver's Downtown Eastside is home to an amazing array of creative artists: poets, storytellers, songwriters, and visual artists who make their homes, lives, and art within the neighbourhood. Their collective output counters the stereotypes and sensationalism found in many media stories about the DTES and the people who live here.
If you are interested in the future of the Downtown Eastside, you are invited to attend this celebration of the community’s creative spirit. We will showcase stories, poems, and songs created within the neighborhood by an array of artists, including Bud Osborn, Sandy Cameron, and many others. We will also present long-time Downtown Eastside creative artist, Patrick Foley; a poet, lyricist, and playwright who has witnessed and recorded many key moments in the neighbourhood's recent history. Facilitated by Jim Sands, an East Vancouver-based storyteller, actor, songwriter, musician and occasional clown.
ART IN THE STREETS
Poetry on the Street
Friday November 4, 12pm - 2pm
E. Cordova & Gore, NW corner Free
The Festival is pleased to present Art in the Streets. Today we welcome poets of the Downtown Eastside. This afternoon of original poetry and songs features Brian Nelson, Joanne Arnott, Mark McLeod, Maxine Gadd, Shauna Paull and Yvonne Mark. Hosted by Diane Wood, artist, poet, DTES resident and community activist.
MUSIC IN THE STREETS
HASTINGS STREET BAND
Friday November 4
12pm starts at Pigeon Park
E. Hastings & Carrall
1pm starts at Maple Tree Square
Water & Carrall Free
It’s music in the streets! Join the Hastings Street Band and their upbeat New Orleans style jazz and blues. Led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Brad Muirhead, the band is composed of enthusiastic Downtown Eastside-involved musicians Dennis Esson, Adrian Smith, Mark Boreen, Al Zisman, and Gary Wildeman. Nothing beats the rhythms of the Hastings Street Band!
MUSIC
CARNEGIE FOLK CIRCLE
CANCELLED
Friday November 4, 1pmZ
Carnegie 3rd Floor Classroom, 401 Main Free
Folk music has heart. Listening, singing, picking - folk music can be fun, bring joy, warm the heart, and waken the mind. So, join the Carnegie Folk Circle to listen, to play or to sing along, facilitated by Chris Kelly. We welcome all levels of talent!
OPEN HOUSE
GALLERY DROP-IN
Friday November 4, 2pm - 5pm
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, 639 Hornby
Free Admission
Drop by the Bill Reid Gallery to visit their current exhibitions, True to Place: stímetstexw tel xéltel, and Keeping the Song Alive. Enjoy some crafts, songs and storytelling with members of the Carnegie Indigenous Program and the lexwst'i:lem Drum Group. This is an opportunity to meet and connect with Elders. The Gallery thanks their Community Access Partner, Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA), for their continued support.
www.billreidgallery.ca
CULTURAL SHARING
DRUMS, SINGING, DANCING
Friday November 4, 4pm - 8pm
Culture Saves Lives / InterUrban Gallery
1 E. Hastings, enter on Carrall Free
The Downtown Eastside is home for many Indigenous peoples from Nations across Turtle Island. Culturally specific events bring a sense of belonging and camaraderie to our community, knowing that culture saves lives. The Festival is honoured to present three groups who are active in cultural work and in creating a safe space to breathe and grow in the heart of the Downtown Eastside. We invite you to join us, everyone is welcome. In particular, dancers are welcome; come and dance to the singing and drumming. Snacks and beverages.
4pm Cultural sharing with Ian Bee and the pow wow drum group Starchild. They will share different styles of music and dance.
5:30pm Medicine Creek is a young drum group led by Benjamin & Isaiah Durocher with support from their grandmother Mary Durocher. Patrick Smith, longtime leader of culture work in the DTES, recently gifted Medicine Creek his big drum.
7pm Dancing Spirits is a new group formed by dancers Larissa Healey, Peter Stillwater, Maddy and Rebecca, with drummer Pavel who have come together to share grass dances. The group is presented today with the music of big drum singers Love Medicine and John Sam. For Larissa, grass dancing is healing medicine that connects to their culture and their two-spirit identity: “You have to dance for your community, not yourself.”
POETRY
Book Launch: Muscle Memory
Friday November 4, 6pm
Massy Art Gallery, 23 E. Pender
Free. Register at massyarts.com
Join Massy Arts, Massy Books, and Kaya Press for the launch of Jenny Liou’s debut poetry book Muscle Memory, a collection of texts that conjoin the world of cage fighting and the traumas of immigration. At this in-person event, Liou will be joined by guest poets Hari Alluri and Rita Wong for an evening of poetry reading and conversations around overlapping themes in their work: grief and diaspora, reconciling with difficult lineages, and Indigenous ecologies. This event is free and open to all of our community.
MULTIMEDIA
WE LIVE HERE
Friday November 4, 7pm - 8:30pm
Gallery Gachet, 9 W. Hastings Free
Gallery Gachet presents a screening of content from Radix Theatre's acclaimed video installation We Live Here, a large-scale exhibition originally presented outdoors during the Heart of the City Festival in 2021. Produced in partnership with the Portland Hotel Society and Heart of the City Festival, this film showcases the art processes of twenty-eight DTES artists responding to the phrase "we live here." The work was originally projected next to the Jack Chow Building; plans are in the works for another presentation in 2023. The screening will be followed by a short Q&A with Radix Artistic Producer Andrew Laurenson, Project Co-curator Wendy Peeters, and one of the participating artists. In addition, shots from We Live Here will be displayed on the Gallery Gachet window during the Heart Of The City Festival.
MUSIC
IRONFEST III, NIGHT TWO
Friday November 4, 9:30pm
Also Nov 3 & Nov 5
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Tickets $25 each, including service fees
For more info, visit www.coastaljazz.ca/events
Coastal Jazz, in association with the DTES Heart of the City Festival and Music on Main, presents IronFest III, a diverse three-night series of fresh, expressive music at The Ironworks, a cozy and acoustically delightful jewel in the Downtown Eastside. Each night promises unrepeatable and unmissable performances with international innovators, Canadian all-stars, and local lights driving Vancouver’s renowned jazz, new music, and avant-garde scenes.
Fevan Kidane (trumpet) and Tony Wilson (guitar); Eylem Basaldi/US (violin), Gordon Grdina (guitar) and Torsten Müller (bass); François Houle (clarinet), Alex Hawkins/UK (piano) and Kate Gentile/US (drums).
AFTERNOON OF FILMS
FILM & CONVERSATION
ANGELS ON CALL (2022, 40 min)
Friday November 4, 1pm - 3pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Street nurses Evanna Brennan (age 75) and Susan Giles (age 68) have foregone retirement to provide full-time care to homeless, sick, substance-addicted and mentally ill residents living in decrepit hotels and makeshift tents in Vancouver’s poverty-stricken Downtown Eastside. Funded by TELUS STORYHIVE and Creative BC. Produced by aRTy Media. Directed by Roberta Staley. Co-directed by Tallulah. Screening followed by Q&A with Evanna, Susan and Roberta.
SHORT FILMS
Double Bill
Friday November 4, 3pm - 3:45pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Jean Swanson: We Need a New Map (2021, 8 min): A profile of veteran activist and first-term Vancouver City Councillor Jean Swanson, as she works alongside the next generation of anti-poverty activists fighting systemic inequality. Director Teresa Alfeld is an award-winning writer and director from Vancouver, whose directing credits include the documentaries Doug and the Slugs and Me, The Rankin File: Legacy of a Radical, and the short drama David Foster’s EGGGPAA (NFB 2022).
Militant Mother (2021, 8 min): In 1971, after months of petitioning for a safe crossing, a group of mothers from the Raymur Place housing project forced government and corporate officials to build a railway overpass for their children to get to school. Director Carmen Pollard is an award-winning filmmaker and editor from Vancouver; directing credits include the feature “For Dear Life”, the series “Dancehalls, Deejays & Distortion'', and a collection of experimental shorts including “Surfacing” and “Stellar, Stella Star”.
Following the screenings, there will be time for a short Q&A with guests.
FILM & CONVERSATION
LOVE IN THE TIME OF FENTANYL (2022, 80 min)
Friday November 4, 4pm - 6pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
Love in the Time of Fentanyl is a feature-length documentary centred on the day-to-day activities of the pioneering Overdose Prevention Society and their fight to save lives and keep hope alive in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. Director Colin Askey is a former harm reduction worker in the DTES. The film was honoured with the Best Canadian Director award at Vancouver’s DOXA Documentary Film Festival this past May. Since then the film has been screening across Canada. The Heart of the City Festival is thrilled to present the film in our Downtown Eastside community. Screening followed by Q&A with guests.
FILM & CONVERSATION
ALICE STREET
Friday November 4, 7pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
The Festival is honoured to present this not to be missed film showing of Alice Street, a moving, inspiring and award-winning documentary by film documentarion Spencer Wilkinson (USA). In the rapidly gentrifying city of Oakland, California, construction of a luxury condominium threatens a local mural forcing the artists and a whole neighbourhood to rally to protect its history, voice, and land. This story resonates powerfully with our community, as we grapple with continued gentrification and struggle to protect our community. Q&A follows, with special guests Spencer Wilkinson (Director) and the renowned Desi Mundo (Alice Street muralist) from the USA; along with Jean Swanson (City Councilor), Kevin Nanaquewitang (SRO Collective) and muralist Brandon Gabriel (Kwantlen First Nation). Hosted by Terry Hunter. Presented in collaboration with 1982 Media and Endangered Ideas Film.
LIVE STREAM
ART HUB: DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE ARTISTS COLLECTIVE
Saturday November 5, 11am - 12pm
Live Streamed, Heart of the City Festival Facebook page
Watch the live stream of the DTES livestream queen Gunargie Ga’axstasalas O’Sullivan while she captures the Art Sale and chats with the artists from the Downtown Eastside Artists Collective. Join the livestream, then head over to 2111 Main Street, Mount Pleasant’s iconic City Centre Motor Hotel reimagined as a temporary community space for art and social connection. You too can purchase the amazing art available. Lots of art and Overdose Prevention Society merchandise.
FILM & CONVERSATION
RAISING OF THE OPPENHEIMER WELCOME POSTS
Saturday November 5, 11am - 12:30pm
Oppenheimer Park, 488 Powell Free
We invite you to Oppenheimer Park to watch rare, archival footage that captures the witnessing, cedar brushing and words of ceremony at the raising of the two Welcome Posts on the NE corner of the Park ten years ago. Invited guests will speak about the cultural work and the project (led by Constant Arts Society) to provide some context to the footage.
On a rainy, windy morning in February 2012, filmmaker Jackie Humber was invited by the carvers to film the ceremony. The film includes the words of the two gifted carvers, Hereditary Chief Ga Ba Gaawk (Henry Robertson) from Kemano/Kitlope, and Chiaxen (Wes Nahanee) from Squamish Nation, and those spoken by witnesses and by S7aplek (Bob Baker) of the Squamish Nation who conducted the ceremony. This documentary serves as a record of the knowledge shared during this traditional ceremony. Carver Chiaxen announced, "These posts are welcoming you to a new day." Closing music composed and sung by Lora Bird. The filmmaker acknowledges this documentary was filmed on the traditional and unceded lands of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
MUSIC IN THE STREETS
HASTINGS STREET BAND
Saturday November 5
12pm starts at Carnegie
E. Hastings & Main
1pm starts at New Town Bakery, 148 E. Pender Free
It’s music in the streets! Join the Hastings Street Band and their upbeat New Orleans style jazz and blues. Led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Brad Muirhead, the band is composed of enthusiastic Downtown Eastside-involved musicians Dennis Esson, Adrian Smith, Mark Boreen, Al Zisman, and Gary Wildeman. Nothing beats the rhythms of the Hastings Street Band!
OPEN HOUSE
VANCOUVER POLICE MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
Saturday November 5, 11am - 5pm
Free tours at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm
Vancouver Police Museum, 2nd floor, 240 E. Cordova
Free admission today
Vancouver Police Museum is located in one of the city’s most intriguing, historic buildings. Originally built to help solve crimes, the building was home to the Coroners Court, City Analyst’s Lab and the city’s former morgue and autopsy room. Walk through the museum's authentic historic spaces and learn about some of the City's most exciting criminal cases and unsolved murder mysteries, or find out about the fascinating history of forensic science and policing in Vancouver. The exhibits are educational, captivating, and include authentic photos, archival material and artifacts straight from the source. They also have activities for the ‘little detective’ to take part in! Join museum staff for free one hour tours at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.
www.vancouverpolicemuseum.ca
OPERA PREMIERE
THE PROP MASTER’S DREAM
Saturday November 5, 2pm & 7pm SOLD OUT
2022年11月5日; 只演兩場：下午 2 時，晚上7時
Annex Theatre 劇院 溫哥華, 823 Seymour
Tickets $35-45. Limited seats, tickets: www.vancanopera.com
The Prop Master’s Dream is a new fusion opera inspired by the extraordinary true-life story of Wah-Kwan Gwan (1929-2000), a legendary props master born in BC to a Chinese father and an Indigenous mother. Following Gwan’s journey from Vancouver to China and back again, a tale unfolds of lost identity, migration, and race relations. The cast includes Rosa Cheng, Jacky Lam and Haisla Collins. Weaving together Cantonese Opera singing, jazz music and Indigenous drumming, the opera is presented in Cantonese with English subtitles and is produced by Vancouver Cantonese Opera. For information call 604-764-8181 or email vancanopera@gmail.com
溫哥華燕鳳鳴粵劇團呈獻 “道具大師的尋根夢”
道具大師的尋根夢是根據關華坤 (1929-2000) 的真實故事改編而成，
他是一位傳奇的粵劇界道具大師，父親是華裔，母親是卑詩省的原住民。
購票電話: 604-764-8181; 電郵: vancanopera@gmail.com
POETRY
Muriel's Journey Poetry Prize
Saturday November 5, 1:30pm - 3pm
Carnegie Theatre Free
Outspoken, risk taking, looking at topics in unexpected ways; some winners and honourable mentions of Muriel’s Journey Poetry Prize will perform their poems. Named in honour of Muriel Marjorie Williams who went to the spirit world November 3, 2018 from Red Deer, Alberta. After many years in the DTES, Muriel relocated to Edmonton in September 2017 to be closer to family, and was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2018. An active writer, reader and performer in the Heart of the City Festival and local theatre, Muriel’s poetry has been published in “Gatherings” (“Seasons”), “No Supper Tonight”, and “Thursdays #1” & “#2”. Muriel Marjorie was not only a poet, but a fabulous performer who delighted in tackling things from an unusual, makes-you-wake-up-and-listen point of view.
SPOKEN WORD
SANDY CAMERON MEMORIAL WRITING CONTEST AWARD CEREMONY
Saturday November 5, 4pm - 5:30pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
An always exciting and inspiring event, this annual award ceremony will be live this year in the Carnegie Theatre! A number of the award-winning writers will read work they submitted to the contest, and for a special treat, Solidarity Notes Labour Choir will sing a song arranged by Earle Peach to Sandy's poem Telling Our Stories. Now in its seventh year, the writing contest was established to honour Sandy Cameron, one of the best-loved writers to publish work in the Carnegie Newsletter. Sandy consistently contributed essays and poetry, sharing stories of the low-income neighbourhood's one hundred year struggle for human rights. The contest supports local writers and encourages never-before-published writers to submit their work for publication. The free twice-monthly Carnegie Newsletter is available online at www.carnegienewsletter.org. Everyone welcome.
SPOKEN WORD
HONOURING WRITERS OF THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE
Saturday November 5, 7pm - 9pm
Carnegie Theatre, 401 Main Free
At the end of this wonderful day honouring and celebrating writers, poets and spoken word artists at Carnegie, we present an evening of writing and poetry from the past. Words that were written down by members of our community who have passed before us; poets, activists, historians, and great writers. We’ve invited friends and neighbours to bring these words to life, and to share something of their own work.
We are honoured to welcome to the Carnegie stage: Diane Wood to read Sandy Cameron and Robyn Livingstone; Ghia Aweida to read Joan Morelli; Kedrick James to read Bud Osborn; Gilles Cyrenne to read dn simmers; Elwin Xie to read Jim Wong Chu; Isabella Mori to read Muriel Marjorie; Todd Wong to read Wayson Choy; Shauntelle Dick-Charleson reading Zaccheus Jackson; and Stephen Lytton to share words of Kat Zucomulwat Norris, the Festival Elder-in-Residence 2017 to 2021. Our Emcee for the evening is RC Weslowski, writer and award-winning spoken word artist.
PLAYREADING
HUNG UP, by Tyson Night
Saturday November 5, 7pm - 9pm
Skwachàys Lodge, 29 W. Pender
Free, Registration available at bit.ly/HUNGUP2022
From the prairies of Saulteaux First Nations, Saskatchewan, Tyson Night is an emerging theatre professional and an artist in residence at Skwachàys Lodge. This evening Tyson presents a workshop reading of his first scripted play Hung
Up. The full-length 'dramady' captures the life of a two-spirited young man who moves back to the rez’ following many of his shortcomings and unreconciled differences with his recovering alcoholic mother, his friendship with his cousin Taylin, and falling in love with the new local band member whom he works with. Tyson’s own experience growing up through many struggles has been a huge source of inspiration for his writing, and his desire to write stems deeply from wanting to give back to the next generation and to create awareness of raw truths behind closed doors.
PLAYREADING
CATFISH - A Reading Presentation of an ASL/English Play
KW Production Studio, 111 W. Hastings
Saturday November 5, 8pm - 9:30pm
Free. Donations appreciated
ASL Interpretation
Take the plunge and join us for a reading presentation by Simran Gill and Jess Amy Shead into the life of a Deaf Punjabi woman and witness the layers of lies, misrepresentation, search for love, and acceptance inward in this vibrant, complex, and delightfully earnest exploration of identity and self directed by Chris Dodd and Gavan Cheema.
Produced by Alley Theatre.
SHOWCASE
Concurrence Gathering #6
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Concurrence Gathering #6 will be held on Sunday November 6,
Concurrence Gathering #7 will be held on December 4.
Saturday November 5, 8pm
8EAST, 8 E. Pender Free. Donations accepted
Concurrence Gatherings are concerts, talks and story-sharing events, led by Sophie Dow with mentor Olivia C. Davies. The gatherings pair emerging DTES Small Arts Grants recipients and Indigenous Artists with NOW Society Musicians at 8EAST. The artists of this series will be announced soon! Presented by the Now Society in partnership with the Skwachays Lodge Aboriginal Hotel and Gallery, the Carnegie Community Centre and O.Dela Arts. Concurrence Gathering #8 is on December 4. For more information: www.nowsociety.org
MUSIC
IRONFEST III, NIGHT THREE
Saturday November 5, 9:30pm
Also Nov 3 & Nov 4
The Ironworks, 235 Alexander
Tickets $25 each, including service fees
For more info, visit www.coastaljazz.ca/events
Coastal Jazz, in association with the DTES Heart of the City Festival and Music on Main, presents IronFest III, a diverse three-night series of fresh, expressive music at The Ironworks, a cozy and acoustically delightful jewel in the Downtown Eastside. Each night promises unrepeatable and unmissable performances with international innovators, Canadian all-stars, and local lights driving Vancouver’s renowned jazz, new music, and avant-garde scenes.
Jay Clayton/US (voice), Róisín Adams (piano) and Jen Yakamovich (drums);
John Paton/ (sax), Stéphane Diamantakiou (bass) and Ivan Bamford (drums);
Ayelet Rose Gottlieb (voice), Elisa Thorn (harp), Aram Bajakian (oud), Peggy Lee (cello), and Hamin Honari (percussion).
MUSIC IN THE STREETS
HASTINGS STREET BAND
Sunday November 6
12pm starts at W. Hastings & Abbott
1pm starts at Steam Clock, Water & Cambie Free
It’s music in the streets! Join the Hastings Street Band and their upbeat New Orleans style jazz and blues. Led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Brad Muirhead, the band is composed of enthusiastic Downtown Eastside-involved musicians Dennis Esson, Adrian Smith, Mark Boreen, Al Zisman, and Gary Wildeman. Nothing beats the rhythms of the Hastings Street Band!
DANCE
KAREN JAMIESON DANCE & CARNEGIE DANCE TROUPE
Sunday November 6, 1pm - 2pm
Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre, SFU Woodwards, 149 W. Hastings Free
It’s been so long since we’ve seen the Carnegie Dance Troupe, and they’re back, live and in-person, with a new in-process studio showing led by Rianne Svelnis and Karen Jamieson. Since 2006, the principle supporting the Carnegie Dance Troupe is absolute inclusivity. Performances are created through processes of collaboration, seeking to connect us to our body, to our breath, to the energy of the earth, to each other and to our diverse communities. The Carnegie Dance Troupe is part of Karen Jamieson Dance, and partners with the Carnegie Community Centre and SFU’s Vancity Office of Community Engagement.
WORKSHOP (for youth)
COMMUNITY IS COLLAGE: CUTTING OUT THE STORIES THAT SHAPED US
Sunday, November 6, 1pm - 5pm
Also Oct 30
Massy Art Gallery, 23 E. Pender
Free. Register at massyarts.com
Massy Arts and Vancouver-based visual artists Rafael Zen and Khalil Alomar present a paper collage and video collage workshop for young artists (ages 14-18) that aims to teach artistic techniques of paper and video collage while putting into dialogue three systemic and intersectional concepts that built and shaped contemporary societies: race, class, and gender. This in-person workshop is planned for all artistic levels; no previous experience is needed.
CULTURAL SHARING
TOGETHER IN PEACE
Sunday November 6, 3pm
Ukranian Hall, 805 E. Pender
Tickets: $25 (6-12 years olds $10). For info and tickets, visit www.auucvancouver.ca
We are delighted at the return of one of our favourite festival events: the annual in-person concert at the Ukrainian Hall. Guided by the theme - nurturing peace through culture and community - today’s concert is presented with the Association of United Ukrainian-Canadians. For over 100 years, the Association has been advocating for social justice and nourishing Ukrainian Canadian culture in our community. Today’s concert features the Hall’s own Barvinok Choir, Vancouver Folk Orchestra and Dovush Dancers: and supports Ukraine’s beautiful culture with haunting harmonies and lively orchestral music, exciting dance and exquisite costumes, and drummer Nick Apivor and rapper Nik Dobrinsky performing a peace rap with the choir. Special guests include the Left Coast Labour Chorus, an activist community choir who bring the inspiration of music to social justice; and the Canadian roots ensemble The Wheat in the Barley, founded by Steve Gidora who has deep roots in the peace movement. Ukraine has a unique history and culture distinct from every other cultures, and they will persevere and survive. The concert closes with Cherovna Kalyna - the national symbol and de facto anthem of Ukraine. Enjoy the Sunday concert with friends and neighbours at the east-end’s historic Ukrainian Hall, followed by a Hall social.
BOOK LAUNCH
Autobiography, Roy Youssefzadeh
Sunday November 6, 5pm - 7pm
Propaganda Coffee, 209 E. Pender Free
Roy Youssefzadeh was born in Iran in the village Chakansar Gilman. He spent his childhood in the village, moved to the USA, and then to Canada. He found his way to the Carnegie Community Centre in 2021 and started volunteering in the kitchen. He joined the Fire Writers, a writing group based in the Carnegie Learning Centre, and has been working for two years on his autobiography, with support from friends at Carnegie. Roy’s story tells of Iran, a country with many resources but people are very poor, no public health, no retirement benefits, and no freedom. The Festival congratulates Roy on the launch of his Autobiography.
SHOWCASE
Concurrence Gathering #7
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Concurrence Gathering #6 will be held today,
Concurrence Gathering #7 will be held on December 4.
Sunday November 6
Skwachàys Lodge, 31 West Pender
& 8EAST, 8 E. Pender
Free. Donations accepted
6:00pm - 6:30pm Audiences & artists gathers in the Skwachàys Lodge Lounge for tea/coffee, connecting & visiting
Concurrence Gatherings are concerts, talks and story-sharing events, led by Sophie Dow with mentor Olivia C. Davies, that pair emerging DTES Small Arts Grants recipients and Indigenous Artists with NOW Society Musicians at 8EAST.
Presented by the Now Society in partnership with the Skwachays Lodge Aboriginal Hotel and Gallery, the Carnegie Community Centre and O.Dela Arts. Concurrence Gathering #8 is on December 4. For more information: www.nowsociety.org
CELEBRATION
CO-OP RADIO LIVE AT THE WISE HALL
Sunday November 6, 6pm - 10:30pm
Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac
Free, Registration available at bit.ly/CRLWH2022
Party? Oh heck yeah! Everyone invited! What’s a Festival without a Finale? What’s a Membership drive without a Party? We have both - a Party and a Finale!
Join the good folks of Co-op Radio, live at the Wise Hall, for a musical evening of great music, great friends and great food, with host extraordinaire Jacques Lalonde, who is “one crazy frenchman”! It’s the kick off for Co-op Radio’s membership drive, with special complimentary savouries prepared by the Carnegie kitchen. Cash bar.
6pm Step up to the Community Open Mic.
Email to sign up in advance: community@coopradio.org
8pm The bands begin! Including Dusty Pines, playing alternative roots and rock ‘n roll with Dusty Chipura, vocalist/guitar; Jess Goldie, guitar; bassist Lina S Punk; and Kelsey Baldwin on drums.
Add the fantastic MNGWA, Vancouver’s best prog cumbia band! For almost ten years, these pioneers of prog cumbia have been crafting a sound all their own, mixing Latin American and African rhythms with psych rock, funk, reggae, hip hop and more. With the creators’ Mexican, Russian and Canadian backgrounds, every new composition is a synthesis of different musical approaches and traditions. You’ve got to hear this party band with their “musical medicine for troubled times”!
And more!
The Heart of the City Festival thanks Co-op Radio for presenting a wonderful Festival finale.